What's the Difference Between Oversize Load and Wide Load

First, understand that a load is considered oversized based on either its width or weight. If your shipment is over on either measurement it is considered oversize. If your load meets all weight limits, but not width limits, it is considered a wide load.

What qualifies as an oversized load?

Anything over 8.5 feet wide is considered oversized load; shipments exceeding 12 feet wide may require one to two pilot vehicles in the front and/or back of the flatbed truck.

What is wide load in trucking?

A wide load is a shipment that exceeds the state limit for length, height, width, and weight of interstate shipments. If your load is wider than 8.5 feet, it will likely qualify as a wide load or oversize load and require state-by-state permitting.